Deciding to build a patio for your outdoor space is exciting, but choosing the best material for you can be confusing. There are many options, and it can be overwhelming!
Starting Small
Of all the patio material options, gravel is one of the most cost-effective and DIY-friendly. Gravel comes either pre-packaged in bags from hardware or farm stores, or can be purchased in a bulk dump from a local mulch business. Simply decide where your patio is going to be, mark the perimeter with stakes and rope, remove the sod, and pour the gravel.
There is no downtime after installing this kind of patio, and it can be used the moment you finish pouring and raking your gravel to level it. The downside to gravel is that it is not smooth to walk on (and therefore not accessible to people with disabilities), a bit messy because it is not held down by anything but gravity, and your furniture tends to sink into it.
Building Blocks
Next, we have concrete pavers. Concrete pavers are an excellent choice because they are still inexpensive yet give the patio the permanence that gravel just can’t guarantee. It is a good idea to get concrete pavers installed over a concrete slab and laid by a professional to ensure a level surface.
If you are wondering what the difference is between a concrete patio vs pavers, wonder no more! Think about the slip-resistant concrete typically laid next to a swimming pool, and you have a pretty good idea of what a concrete patio would look like. Pavers add texture to the space and give it a slightly less industrial look and more of a classic feel.
Brick-By-Brick
Brick is another wonderful patio material option, especially if you are trying to match the outside of your house or aren’t a fan of the usual concrete grey. Brick is not very DIY friendly; you should definitely have a professional install it.
Once laid, it is durable and beautiful. Brick is pretty smooth, can be laid in geometric patterns, and never goes out of style!
Standing Stones
Speaking of never going out of style, let’s talk about stone! A stone patio is a beautiful way to incorporate a very natural feel into your patio. Stone can be very heavy, depending on the size of the pieces, and is difficult for DIYers to grout without ruining it.
Stone is strong and does not break down quickly or need frequent repairs. Stone is one of the most costly options, but if you have the budget, it is absolutely worth every penny!
Tile, Not a River in Africa
Last but not least, let’s talk tile. Tile is a very modern patio material option and is easily the most customizable option, as tile comes in almost every color, pattern, and style you can imagine!
Tile definitely needs to be laid by a professional to ensure its longevity. Especially if your patio will merge with a pool or other water feature, consider installing beautiful, decorative tile!
Set it in Stone!
Now that you know all of the best patio materials, pick one and get started today by contacting a local professional to enjoy your beautiful Spring patio!